SPRINGFIELD – In the wake of a national economic crisis that is touching families throughout Illinois, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced over $2.5 million in Emergency Shelter Grants to assist 81 nonprofit organizations throughout Illinois in providing emergency housing and support services for homeless individuals.

“These are challenging times for both our national and state economies, and unfortunately too many in our country need a warm meal and roof over their head at night.  The emergency shelter grants will provide organizations with much needed funding to provide those critical support services to help people get back on their feet,” said Governor Blagojevich.

Funding for the program is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and is administered on the state level by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

An estimated 47,697 homeless persons live in Illinois according to the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). IDHS, who administers the homeless prevention programs on behalf of the state, provided 2 million meals and 2 million nights of shelter to homeless persons.

“Under the Governor’s leadership, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is committed to enhancing Illinois economic competitiveness, and building stronger communities. Whether it’s providing workforce training programs for underrepresented populations or providing key funding to help local governments enhance programs and services – we are helping to build a stronger Illinois one community at a time,” said Jack Lavin, DCEO Director.

The Emergency Shelter Program is designed to help improve the quality of existing emergency shelters for the homeless and help make available additional shelters.  The program provides certain essential social services to homeless individuals, so that these persons have access not only to safe and sanitary shelter, but also to the supportive services and other kinds of assistance they need to improve their situations.  The program assists with the costs of operating emergency shelters, and is intended to restrict the increase of homelessness through the funding of preventive programs and activities.